A recent study indicates that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such drugs should be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
